Acne

Comedones that stay closed at the surface of the skin are called whiteheads. This happens when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening. Many of the same over-the-counter medicines that treat blackheads are also effective against whiteheads.

Papules are comedones that become inflamed, forming small red or pink bumps on the skin. This type of pimple may be sensitive to the touch. Picking or squeezing can make the inflammation worse and may lead to scarring. A large number of papules may indicate moderate to severe acne.

Pustules are another kind of inflamed pimple. They resemble a whitehead with a red ring around the bump. The bump is typically filled with white or yellow pus. Avoid picking or squeezing pustules. Picking can cause scars or dark spots to develop on the skin.

Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps that are lodged deep in the skin.

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About

Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States. Acne most commonly develops during the teenage years and the early 20s, but can also appear later in life. It is caused when the oil gland/hair follicle unit becomes clogged, mostly by an excess production of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Acne comes in many varieties including blackheads, whiteheads and the more severe nodular acne and cystic variants.

Causes

Blackheads and white heads begin when a pore in our skin becomes clogged with dead skin cells. Normally, dead skin cells rise to surface of the pore, and the body sheds the cells. When the body starts to increase sebum production (oil that keeps our skin from drying out), the dead skin cells can stick together inside the pore. Instead of rising to the surface, the cells become trapped inside the pore.

Sometimes bacteria that live on our skin, P. Acnes, are also trapped inside clogged pores or the oil gland/ hair follicle unit. When this occurs, the bacteria have a perfect environment for multiplying very quickly. This leads to increased inflammation and pustules, or if the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears.

Causes of acne are usually a combination of the following:

Genetics

Hormones

Prescribed medications

Oil-based cosmetics

Stress

Physical irritation

Humidity and environmental pollutants

Risk Factors

If you have a bad case of acne, you may feel like you are the only one. But many people have acne. It is the most common skin problem in the United States. About 40 to 50 million Americans have acne at any given time.

Although acne is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults, acne can appear at any age. Newborn babies can even get acne.

Symptoms

Acne is not just pimples. A person who has acne can have any of these blemishes:

Blackheads (Open comedones)

Whiteheads (Closed comedones)

Papules – Small pink bumps that may be tender to touch

Pustules – Blockages of the pores and sebaceous glands that have become inflamed

Cysts – Deep, inflamed, pus-filled lumps

Nodules – Large, painful, solid lumps that are lodged deep in the skin

Excessive oil

Acne can cause more than blemishes. Studies show that people who have acne can have:

Low self-esteem

Depression

Dark spots on the skin

Permanent scars

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Treatment

Treatment

There are numerous ways to treat acne, and typically a combination of treatments is required. For the most effective treatment, medical history and examination of the acne lesions to determine their exact nature is required. Sometimes systemic factors contribute to acne. These conditions can be: pregnancy, medications, underlying systemic medical problems, menstrual or psychological issues. Occupational issues may also play a role in producing acne.

One should not pop, squeeze or pick at acne. This is the most common habit found in acne patients and might worsen common acne, causing cystic lesions, hyperpigmentation or permanent scarring of the skin. While acne cannot be prevented nor cured, there are treatments to help lessen the severity of the acne and avoid scars. Among the most common treatments are:

FAQs

Do you treat acne?

Yes, this is one of the most common skin issues we deal with. We treat acne both medically and aesthetically. A consultation with one of our dermatologists is the first step to determine the best course of action. Acne is not only for teenagers, but can affect any age group.

What is acne?

Acne occurs when pores on your face, neck, chest, back or upper arms get plugged. This typically results in comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). The continuous production of oil by the plugged pore can also result in bacterial overgrowth and inflammation which results in painful acne (pustules or inflammatory cysts).

What acne treatments do you have?

After an initial consultation, we will discuss the best possible treatments which may include oral prescriptions, injections, topical ointments (both prescription and non-prescription) and/or extractions, peels or laser treatments.

How do I know when I need a dermatologist?

Although almost 100% of children between 12 and 17 get some form of acne, you should seek a doctor’s care if you feel any of the below statement fits your situation:

I have painful, pus-filled lesions in addition to blackheads and whiteheads and reddened spots on my skin.

I have dark skin, and a patch that is darker than my skin appears when an acne lesion clears.

Can my acne be cured/cleared up?

With new technologies and new products, almost every case of acne can be resolved. In addition, you can work with your dermatologist or aesthetician to develop/create a regime to prevent further outbreaks.

Is acne caused by poor hygiene or diet?

Acne is usually a normal part of adolescence and most teenagers will get some form of acne, but poor hygiene and diet are not direct causes of acne. In most cases, if you vigorously scrub your skin to eliminate excess oils and dead skin, you can further irritate your skin. Numerous studies show there is no direct link between diet and acne; however, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is always recommended. If you have adult acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and the best treatment options.

Is acne treatment just for cosmetic reasons?

No. Although the acne itself poses no threat to a person’s physical health, acne can cause permanent scarring. The appearance of the acne and acne scarring can affect the way a person feels about himself or herself. With significant medical and non-medical advancements, most acne can be cleared up, so it makes sense to explore all options available.

How do you treat acne scars?

We offer several treatment options to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Options for skin resurfacing may include fractional laser skin resurfacing, micro needling, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

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Videos

Acne Videos

Acne treatments

The Acne Specialist Clinic at Westside Laser Dermatology treats all forms of acne, including adult acne, acne in children, hormonal acne, cystic and severe acne, backne, oily skin, blackheads and open pores. The most successful method of treating acne is to tailor treatments based upon what type of acne you